Read Romans 8:31-34
Throughout life, there will be times when our sins and failures lead us to conclude that God is disappointed or angry with us. How can He still love me after what I’ve done? If I’m really forgiven, why do I still feel so guilty? At such tiimes, we need to fix our eyes on the truth of Scripture and ask the questions Paul posed in Romans 8.
If God is for us, who is against us (v. 31)? Our heavenly Father proved His loyalty to us when He delivered His own Son over to death in order to save us. Without Christ’s atoning death on our behalf, we would face eternal separation from God.
Who will bring a charge against God’s elect (v. 33)? No accusation against us can stand, since at the moment of salvation, the Lord justified us. This means we were legally declared righteous, while still in our sinning condition. No one can reverse this transaction and make us guilty again. To doubt our blameless standing in Christ is to declare His atonement insufficient to cover our sin.
Who is the one who condemns (v. 34)? Although Satan rails against us, Jesus’ death and resurrection are proof that we are right with God. Christ took our condemnation and gave us His righteousness in return. Now He sits at the Father’s right hand, interceding for us.
When doubts about the Lord’s love and faithfulness arise, focus on truth. If we judge His loyalty to us by our circumstances or feelings, we will never get an accurate view of God. True security lies not in our good performance, but in our relationship with Christ, and no one can take that from us.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Learning to Listen to God
Read Psalm 81:8-16
God clearly calls us to listen to Him, but like the nation of Israel, we sometimes ignore His voice and miss His blessings. Learning to listen to the Lord is far more important than learning to talk to Him. Generally, we find it much easier to rattle off a prayer than to sit quietly with our Bibles open in our laps, waiting to hear what He has to say.
Since two-way conversation is essential in developing a relationship, being able to hear the Lord’s voice is a vital part of the Christian life. Sometimes we have the notion that after being saved, we just automatically know Him. But that is not true in any kind of relationship. Just as we grow to know another person through communication, so we become more intimately acquainted with the Lord through listening and talking to Him.
Not only do we need ears to hear His voice; we also must have discernment to accurately understand what He is saying.He’s not the only one who wants our attention. People around us readily offer us advice, Satan whispers his lies in our minds, and the world shouts loudly from almost every electronic device and form of media. Grounding in the Scriptures sharpens our discernment and protects us from deception.
Have you ever considered that neglect of God’s Word is a rejection of Him? He continually calls out, “Oh that My people would listen to Me” (Ps. 81:13). He is ready and willing to speak to those who will humble themselves, take the time to listen, and respond obediently to whatever He says.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
God clearly calls us to listen to Him, but like the nation of Israel, we sometimes ignore His voice and miss His blessings. Learning to listen to the Lord is far more important than learning to talk to Him. Generally, we find it much easier to rattle off a prayer than to sit quietly with our Bibles open in our laps, waiting to hear what He has to say.
Since two-way conversation is essential in developing a relationship, being able to hear the Lord’s voice is a vital part of the Christian life. Sometimes we have the notion that after being saved, we just automatically know Him. But that is not true in any kind of relationship. Just as we grow to know another person through communication, so we become more intimately acquainted with the Lord through listening and talking to Him.
Not only do we need ears to hear His voice; we also must have discernment to accurately understand what He is saying.He’s not the only one who wants our attention. People around us readily offer us advice, Satan whispers his lies in our minds, and the world shouts loudly from almost every electronic device and form of media. Grounding in the Scriptures sharpens our discernment and protects us from deception.
Have you ever considered that neglect of God’s Word is a rejection of Him? He continually calls out, “Oh that My people would listen to Me” (Ps. 81:13). He is ready and willing to speak to those who will humble themselves, take the time to listen, and respond obediently to whatever He says.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Pattern of Servanthood
[via By Dr Charles Stanley]
25) But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 )But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27) and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:25-28 (NLT)
In the world’s thinking, great men are the ones with authority, prominence, and power. Though Jesus Christ had all that, He gave it up to become a servant (Isa. 42:1).
Jesus gave Himself completely to fulfill the Father’s plan of redemption, even though the beneficiaries—namely, each of us—were undeserving. God is holy and righteous, and He cannot be in the presence of sin. Therefore, He must separate Himself from those who are stained by wrongdoing. That includes all of humanity (Rom. 3:23).
Everybody is born captive to the desires of the flesh (Rom. 6:16-18). When someone claims to be living on his “own terms,” he is actually serving whatever his human nature craves. The penalty for that false sense of liberty is death (Rom. 6:23).
Jesus’ ultimate act of service was to give His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). The word describes the price paid to set a slave free—Christ voluntarily purchased our liberation. There was only one way our holy God could remove our guilt yet remain true to His own law: Someone sinless had to pay our sin debt for us.
Jesus’ sacrifice spared us the penalty we deserve. Instead, we receive the gift of grace and have been declared no longer guilty. Moreover, we are elevated from slaves to sons and daughters of the Almighty!
Jesus served the Father’s purpose faithfully. He gave up His righteousness to carry the weight of all our wickedness—and endured a crushing separation from His Father. To meet our needs, the Savior held nothing of Himself back, and thereby set a powerful example of servanthood for us follow.
The faith of God is in the word of God, but the power of God is in the love of God. Has your faith been activated by your love for God and the love of God working (serving) through you? Are you commited to the process (willing to sacrifice self) of becoming the person of faith and power He's called you to be?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
25) But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 )But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27) and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:25-28 (NLT)
In the world’s thinking, great men are the ones with authority, prominence, and power. Though Jesus Christ had all that, He gave it up to become a servant (Isa. 42:1).
Jesus gave Himself completely to fulfill the Father’s plan of redemption, even though the beneficiaries—namely, each of us—were undeserving. God is holy and righteous, and He cannot be in the presence of sin. Therefore, He must separate Himself from those who are stained by wrongdoing. That includes all of humanity (Rom. 3:23).
Everybody is born captive to the desires of the flesh (Rom. 6:16-18). When someone claims to be living on his “own terms,” he is actually serving whatever his human nature craves. The penalty for that false sense of liberty is death (Rom. 6:23).
Jesus’ ultimate act of service was to give His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). The word describes the price paid to set a slave free—Christ voluntarily purchased our liberation. There was only one way our holy God could remove our guilt yet remain true to His own law: Someone sinless had to pay our sin debt for us.
Jesus’ sacrifice spared us the penalty we deserve. Instead, we receive the gift of grace and have been declared no longer guilty. Moreover, we are elevated from slaves to sons and daughters of the Almighty!
Jesus served the Father’s purpose faithfully. He gave up His righteousness to carry the weight of all our wickedness—and endured a crushing separation from His Father. To meet our needs, the Savior held nothing of Himself back, and thereby set a powerful example of servanthood for us follow.
The faith of God is in the word of God, but the power of God is in the love of God. Has your faith been activated by your love for God and the love of God working (serving) through you? Are you commited to the process (willing to sacrifice self) of becoming the person of faith and power He's called you to be?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Clean Feet, Clean Heart
Read John 13:3-15
Israel can be a dusty place, and sandaled feet get filthy walking to and fro. In ancient times, a person entering a home removed his sandals and cleaned his feet. Or if the homeowners were wealthy, servants would do the washing. This distasteful but necessary task fell to the worker of lowest position in the household.
Imagine the disciples’ surprise when the Son of God put Himself in the role of a lowly servant and knelt to wash their feet. The need for such a service was great, as they had been traveling for some time. But not one of them offered to do it.
Jesus did more than fill a need; He offered an object lesson. As He explained, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:15 nlt). Some churches have incorrectly interpreted this
as a command to make foot washing an ordinance. But it’s possible to clean someone else’s skin without contemplating the significance of Christ’s actions.
In fact, the act itself is not the main point; attitude is what counts. Jesus desires that we be willing to humble ourselves to serve others. He is looking for men and women who will ignore pride, position, and power in order to do whatever must be done, wherever it needs doing, and for whoever requires assistance.
Jesus performed His greatest and most humble acts of service within 24 hours of each other. He washed dirty feet using two hands that would be pierced by nails in less than a day. The message here is that every task God gives us is important to His kingdom.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Praise
When the three Maji ( wise men) came to worship the King of Glory in His infancy, they came bearing gifts of gold, frankensence and myrrh ( valuable commodities of the times). What is your most valuable asset; time (self), talent (ability), treasure (finances)? What will you give JESUS for Christmas?
He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 TIMOTHY 3:16
As I read the nativity stories in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, one thing I note is that many of those who saw the first Noel up close responded in praise and worship:
Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant—as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days" (Luke 1:68-75).
Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him" (Luke 1:46-50).
Simeon said, "Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
As you celebrate Christmas, may your response be the same—one of worship and praise to God our King.
DISCUSS
Have each member of your family write out their own words of Christmas praise and share them with one another.
PRAY
May Jesus Christ always have your attention the way He does today.
[By Dennis Rainey]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 TIMOTHY 3:16
As I read the nativity stories in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, one thing I note is that many of those who saw the first Noel up close responded in praise and worship:
Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant—as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days" (Luke 1:68-75).
Mary said, "My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him" (Luke 1:46-50).
Simeon said, "Now, Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).
As you celebrate Christmas, may your response be the same—one of worship and praise to God our King.
DISCUSS
Have each member of your family write out their own words of Christmas praise and share them with one another.
PRAY
May Jesus Christ always have your attention the way He does today.
[By Dennis Rainey]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, December 23, 2010
God's Gift to Us (Part 1)
TERRIS J.
[By Greg Laurie]
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17
When you're a child, Christmas is all about receiving gifts. In December, your head is swimming with nothing but images of your favorite toys.
But the true message of Christmas is not the presents we give to one another. The true meaning is the gift that God gave to us, His Son Jesus Christ.
During the next two days, I want to point out to you three things about the gift God gave to us in that tiny manger in Bethlehem.
The first thing we want to realize about God's gift to us is that it came in simple wrapping. Some people will go to great lengths to wrap presents beautifully. But God's gift came to us not in beautiful, ornate wrapping, but in a dirty manger found in a cold cave in a little-known town called Bethlehem.
That's the beauty of the Christmas event. Jesus took His place in a manger so that we might have a home in heaven. The Savior was not wrapped in satin sheets, but in common rags. There in a manger rested the greatest gift in the plainest of wrapping.
The second thing I want to point out about God's gift to us is that we don't deserve it. Consider this: God gave us the ultimate gift of His Son Jesus Christ while we were still sinning against Him (see Romans 5:8).
We did nothing whatsoever to merit or deserve His gift. That is the amazing truth of Christmas. Despite who we are, God sent His Son so "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
With Christmas just days away, begin to prepare your heart for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Meditate on the fact that Jesus was born to die so that we might live.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
[By Greg Laurie]
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17
When you're a child, Christmas is all about receiving gifts. In December, your head is swimming with nothing but images of your favorite toys.
But the true message of Christmas is not the presents we give to one another. The true meaning is the gift that God gave to us, His Son Jesus Christ.
During the next two days, I want to point out to you three things about the gift God gave to us in that tiny manger in Bethlehem.
The first thing we want to realize about God's gift to us is that it came in simple wrapping. Some people will go to great lengths to wrap presents beautifully. But God's gift came to us not in beautiful, ornate wrapping, but in a dirty manger found in a cold cave in a little-known town called Bethlehem.
That's the beauty of the Christmas event. Jesus took His place in a manger so that we might have a home in heaven. The Savior was not wrapped in satin sheets, but in common rags. There in a manger rested the greatest gift in the plainest of wrapping.
The second thing I want to point out about God's gift to us is that we don't deserve it. Consider this: God gave us the ultimate gift of His Son Jesus Christ while we were still sinning against Him (see Romans 5:8).
We did nothing whatsoever to merit or deserve His gift. That is the amazing truth of Christmas. Despite who we are, God sent His Son so "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
With Christmas just days away, begin to prepare your heart for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Meditate on the fact that Jesus was born to die so that we might live.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The True Meaning of Christmas
[By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price ]
Scripture Of The Day: "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh" - Romans 8:3 (ESV)
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday--Christmas--is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God. 3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God."
Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3) For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10) "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12) saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." 13) And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me." 14) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Scripture Of The Day: "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh" - Romans 8:3 (ESV)
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday--Christmas--is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God. 3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God."
Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3) For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10) "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12) saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You." 13) And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me." 14) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
No Room in the Inn
[By Greg Laurie]
"She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7
In these days of modern technology, we never miss a thing with TiVo, voice mail, DVD recorders, and camera phones. But even though our toys keep us from missing a phone call, they can also cause us to miss the real reason for the holiday season.
You can watch Christmas disappear in front of your eyes, in a heap of shredded wrapping paper, and find yourself saying, "I was so busy shopping, so busy attending this, going to that, that I think I actually missed the point of Christmas."
It might be surprising to know that the majority of people missed the very first Christmas as well. People just carried on with business as usual, paying no attention to what was happening just a few feet away.
In Luke chapter 2, we are introduced to an innkeeper who had no time for Christmas. In this familiar story, Mary and Joseph came to the innkeeper for a room, but because his inn was full, he turned them away.
The only place he had for this young pregnant woman and her husband was a stable, a cold, dark, and damp stable—which was more than likely a cave. He was too preoccupied with other things to make the time for Christmas.
There are people like this in the world today. They don't necessarily oppose or hate God outright. They are simply preoccupied. God and spiritual things do not concern them. Their interests lie more in what can immediately satisfy their own physical needs. The innkeeper was too busy to make room in the inn for the soon coming Messiah.
Let me ask you this: have you made room for Jesus this Christmas? If not, there is still time to refocus and make room for Christ this Christmas, today!
Be Blessed!
Dawn
"She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7
In these days of modern technology, we never miss a thing with TiVo, voice mail, DVD recorders, and camera phones. But even though our toys keep us from missing a phone call, they can also cause us to miss the real reason for the holiday season.
You can watch Christmas disappear in front of your eyes, in a heap of shredded wrapping paper, and find yourself saying, "I was so busy shopping, so busy attending this, going to that, that I think I actually missed the point of Christmas."
It might be surprising to know that the majority of people missed the very first Christmas as well. People just carried on with business as usual, paying no attention to what was happening just a few feet away.
In Luke chapter 2, we are introduced to an innkeeper who had no time for Christmas. In this familiar story, Mary and Joseph came to the innkeeper for a room, but because his inn was full, he turned them away.
The only place he had for this young pregnant woman and her husband was a stable, a cold, dark, and damp stable—which was more than likely a cave. He was too preoccupied with other things to make the time for Christmas.
There are people like this in the world today. They don't necessarily oppose or hate God outright. They are simply preoccupied. God and spiritual things do not concern them. Their interests lie more in what can immediately satisfy their own physical needs. The innkeeper was too busy to make room in the inn for the soon coming Messiah.
Let me ask you this: have you made room for Jesus this Christmas? If not, there is still time to refocus and make room for Christ this Christmas, today!
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, December 20, 2010
What I Want for Christmas
[By Greg Laurie]
6)For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7)Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Is. 9: 6-7
14)Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Is. 7:14
I have always believed in the promise of Christmas. There has always been something special to me about this time of the year, going back to my earliest days of childhood.
What is it that we love about Christmas, once we get past the initial trappings? I think it is the sense of wonder, beauty, and anticipation. It is the music, the look of surprise on a child's face, and the amazing food. It's the companionship of family and good friends. It is also the absence of strife and meanness (that is, with the exception of the crowds on "Black Friday").
But how often does Christmas really deliver on its promises? A little bit here and there, but by and large, it ends up being the endless drone of mind-numbing ads on TV. It is the friction and pressure that comes when we are obligated to purchase gifts for people we barely know. It is the expectation put on us by others and sometimes even ourselves.
Then there is that big post-Christmas letdown—the letdown of expectations that can never really be met. We were not able to give what we really wanted to give, or what they really wanted to receive. Or you yourself did not get what you had hoped for. Then there are those bills that come due . . .
So what is Christmas at its worst? It is a crass, commercial, empty, exhausting, and very expensive ritual that drags on endlessly for months at a time.
What is Christmas at its best? It is a glimpse of things to come—the beauty, the worshipful music, the adoring angels, the love, the warmth, the promise, the hope . . . all things promised to us in a life to yet come.
You see, Christmas is a promise. It is a promise that has not yet been fully kept. Christmas cannot be all that we want it to be. It's only a holiday. Christmas cannot bring harmony to your home. Christmas cannot bring peace on earth. Christmas cannot bring happiness. But Christ Himself can do all of this and more. That is really what we are longing for deep inside.
Not Christmas, but Christ. Not merriment, but the Messiah. Not goodwill, but God. Not presents, but His presence. Anything or anyone short of this will disappoint. But God never will.
That's what I want for Christmas—Jesus Christ. Remember - Christ is Christmas! Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2Cor. 9:15
Be Blessed!
Dawn
6)For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7)Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Is. 9: 6-7
14)Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us). Is. 7:14
I have always believed in the promise of Christmas. There has always been something special to me about this time of the year, going back to my earliest days of childhood.
What is it that we love about Christmas, once we get past the initial trappings? I think it is the sense of wonder, beauty, and anticipation. It is the music, the look of surprise on a child's face, and the amazing food. It's the companionship of family and good friends. It is also the absence of strife and meanness (that is, with the exception of the crowds on "Black Friday").
But how often does Christmas really deliver on its promises? A little bit here and there, but by and large, it ends up being the endless drone of mind-numbing ads on TV. It is the friction and pressure that comes when we are obligated to purchase gifts for people we barely know. It is the expectation put on us by others and sometimes even ourselves.
Then there is that big post-Christmas letdown—the letdown of expectations that can never really be met. We were not able to give what we really wanted to give, or what they really wanted to receive. Or you yourself did not get what you had hoped for. Then there are those bills that come due . . .
So what is Christmas at its worst? It is a crass, commercial, empty, exhausting, and very expensive ritual that drags on endlessly for months at a time.
What is Christmas at its best? It is a glimpse of things to come—the beauty, the worshipful music, the adoring angels, the love, the warmth, the promise, the hope . . . all things promised to us in a life to yet come.
You see, Christmas is a promise. It is a promise that has not yet been fully kept. Christmas cannot be all that we want it to be. It's only a holiday. Christmas cannot bring harmony to your home. Christmas cannot bring peace on earth. Christmas cannot bring happiness. But Christ Himself can do all of this and more. That is really what we are longing for deep inside.
Not Christmas, but Christ. Not merriment, but the Messiah. Not goodwill, but God. Not presents, but His presence. Anything or anyone short of this will disappoint. But God never will.
That's what I want for Christmas—Jesus Christ. Remember - Christ is Christmas! Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2Cor. 9:15
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Saturday, December 18, 2010
God’s School of Obedience
Read 1 John 1:3-6
Starting at age five, our children are enrolled in school and given lessons to learn each year. We are students too. At salvation, we became participants in the Lord’s school of obedience. There, we are discovering the necessity of trusting Him and waiting for His direction. We are taught the importance of commitment and learn to search His Word for guidance. God also wants us to learn these lessons:
• Listen attentively to the Spirit’s promptings. Our God does not speak in an audible voice, but He makes Himself heard quite clearly through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Spirit is our Helper who will bring to mind Scripture passages we have studied (John 14:26) and show us how they apply.
• Obey the next step. Abraham was called to leave his home and journey to an unknown destination (Gen. 12:1). He obeyed even though the way was unclear
to his human mind. We, too, must step out in faith even when we do not know all the details of the itinerary.
• Expect conflict. We can’t live obedient lives without having trouble with the world (John 16:33). Our friends or family may drift away when they realize certain interests of ours have changed. Some may hurl criticism our way or call us unkind names, while others may reject us completely.
Practicing a lifestyle of obedience doesn’t mean we’ll never make mistakes. But it does require diligence if we are to succeed. Obeying the Father was Jesus’ priority and purpose in life, and we should make it ours as well. Which of these lessons do you want to tackle first?
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Starting at age five, our children are enrolled in school and given lessons to learn each year. We are students too. At salvation, we became participants in the Lord’s school of obedience. There, we are discovering the necessity of trusting Him and waiting for His direction. We are taught the importance of commitment and learn to search His Word for guidance. God also wants us to learn these lessons:
• Listen attentively to the Spirit’s promptings. Our God does not speak in an audible voice, but He makes Himself heard quite clearly through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Spirit is our Helper who will bring to mind Scripture passages we have studied (John 14:26) and show us how they apply.
• Obey the next step. Abraham was called to leave his home and journey to an unknown destination (Gen. 12:1). He obeyed even though the way was unclear
to his human mind. We, too, must step out in faith even when we do not know all the details of the itinerary.
• Expect conflict. We can’t live obedient lives without having trouble with the world (John 16:33). Our friends or family may drift away when they realize certain interests of ours have changed. Some may hurl criticism our way or call us unkind names, while others may reject us completely.
Practicing a lifestyle of obedience doesn’t mean we’ll never make mistakes. But it does require diligence if we are to succeed. Obeying the Father was Jesus’ priority and purpose in life, and we should make it ours as well. Which of these lessons do you want to tackle first?
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Walking with Greater Confidence
Read Hebrews 11:1-31
We've learned about the Lord’s desire that we walk by faith. Yet if we consider our lives honestly, most of us will find a number of areas where we struggle to trust. Some days it is easier to relinquish control, while at other times we quickly take matters into our own hands.
Thankfully, our heavenly Father is patient and loving. His Word clearly teaches that sanctification is the process of making us holy, and not just the end result. Children are a great illustration of how this works. When toddlers learn to walk, they start by pulling up on something, standing, and then taking a step. Inevitably, they will fall, at which point we help them back up so that they can keep progressing. In the same way, God shows us how to live according to our faith in Him, but we will make mistakes. Falling and getting up again are part of the learning process.
The Lord teaches us, but we also have a role in learning. Our responsibility is to study Scripture, to get to know God’s nature, and to learn His promises. As we do these things, our confidence in God grows, enabling us to make choices that require us to believe in and lean on Him. When we step out in faith and experience Christ’s provision and dependability, our trust grows.
Consider the responses, actions, and decisions you’ve made this week. How many of those were led by the Spirit? And how many were human reactions done out of self-reliance? Living on the basis of trust in Christ requires belief and action. As you allow Him to lead, faith will grow
[by Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
We've learned about the Lord’s desire that we walk by faith. Yet if we consider our lives honestly, most of us will find a number of areas where we struggle to trust. Some days it is easier to relinquish control, while at other times we quickly take matters into our own hands.
Thankfully, our heavenly Father is patient and loving. His Word clearly teaches that sanctification is the process of making us holy, and not just the end result. Children are a great illustration of how this works. When toddlers learn to walk, they start by pulling up on something, standing, and then taking a step. Inevitably, they will fall, at which point we help them back up so that they can keep progressing. In the same way, God shows us how to live according to our faith in Him, but we will make mistakes. Falling and getting up again are part of the learning process.
The Lord teaches us, but we also have a role in learning. Our responsibility is to study Scripture, to get to know God’s nature, and to learn His promises. As we do these things, our confidence in God grows, enabling us to make choices that require us to believe in and lean on Him. When we step out in faith and experience Christ’s provision and dependability, our trust grows.
Consider the responses, actions, and decisions you’ve made this week. How many of those were led by the Spirit? And how many were human reactions done out of self-reliance? Living on the basis of trust in Christ requires belief and action. As you allow Him to lead, faith will grow
[by Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Eternally Secure in Christ
[by Dr. Charles Stanley]
13) You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14) He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Col. 2: 13-14
While many Christians know they are saved, they wonder about their eternal security. Does our behavior play a role in keeping our salvation? Examining what happened when we received Jesus as our Savior will bring us reassurance of our security in Him.
Prior to salvation, we had a spiritual problem. We were born with a nature inclined to rebel against God. Our inner self consistently rejected His rule and took charge. Because of our sinful state, we were spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), under God’s judgment, and destined for eternal separation from Him. No amount of good works, repentance, or improved behavior could have changed our sinful condition. We required a divine solution. Knowing this, our heavenly Father provided what we needed through His Son Jesus (John 3:16).
On the day we trusted in Christ, our condition was changed from condemnation and death to forgiveness and life (John 5:24). We were given a new nature—one that wanted to please God—and adopted into His family (2 Cor. 5:17). God’s gift of salvation delivered us from eternal death, made us spiritually alive, and gave us eternal life. We cannot return to our dead, unforgiven state. Our new status as His children is permanent because it is based on what Jesus has done.
While our behavior may not always reflect our new nature, any mistakes we make do not jeopardize our salvation. Remember, it’s not our actions but Christ’s work on the cross that changed our condition. And nothing can undo a spiritual rebirth that came about through faith in Jesus (John 3:3).
Don't misunderstand; GOD is NOT mocked! You will reap what you sow therefore, a man or woman is better off being sincerely wrong than to be a professing Christian and deny Jesus's name by the conduct of his life.
A redeemed life is a changed life! Have you been born again?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
13) You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14) He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Col. 2: 13-14
While many Christians know they are saved, they wonder about their eternal security. Does our behavior play a role in keeping our salvation? Examining what happened when we received Jesus as our Savior will bring us reassurance of our security in Him.
Prior to salvation, we had a spiritual problem. We were born with a nature inclined to rebel against God. Our inner self consistently rejected His rule and took charge. Because of our sinful state, we were spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), under God’s judgment, and destined for eternal separation from Him. No amount of good works, repentance, or improved behavior could have changed our sinful condition. We required a divine solution. Knowing this, our heavenly Father provided what we needed through His Son Jesus (John 3:16).
On the day we trusted in Christ, our condition was changed from condemnation and death to forgiveness and life (John 5:24). We were given a new nature—one that wanted to please God—and adopted into His family (2 Cor. 5:17). God’s gift of salvation delivered us from eternal death, made us spiritually alive, and gave us eternal life. We cannot return to our dead, unforgiven state. Our new status as His children is permanent because it is based on what Jesus has done.
While our behavior may not always reflect our new nature, any mistakes we make do not jeopardize our salvation. Remember, it’s not our actions but Christ’s work on the cross that changed our condition. And nothing can undo a spiritual rebirth that came about through faith in Jesus (John 3:3).
Don't misunderstand; GOD is NOT mocked! You will reap what you sow therefore, a man or woman is better off being sincerely wrong than to be a professing Christian and deny Jesus's name by the conduct of his life.
A redeemed life is a changed life! Have you been born again?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
In Need Of A Savior
Scripture Of The Day: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23
We're all born with a sinful nature. It is a legacy passed down from Adam. Each one of us at some point in our lives makes a conscious choice to disobey God and sin, but that is because we were born with a sinful nature, a bent toward sinning, if you will.
People sometimes get upset with you if you tell them they are a sinner. They think we are judging them, but in reality that is something that we have in common with them. The Apostle Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). John reminded us that if we say we have not sinned we are a liar (1 John 1:8).
The late Rich Mullins (writer of "Awesome God" and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord") told the story of getting stranded at an inn while on a hike. To meet back up with his party would require a ten mile walk and he was already spent from the day's hike. He struck up a conversation with a man at the inn and in the course of the conversation, Mullins shared that he was a Christian musician. The man offered to give Mullins a ride to meet his party, but said there was something he needed to tell him first. "I am gay" the man told him. Rich chuckled and replied that he still needed a ride to the drop off point! As he took Rich to meet up with his hiking companions, the man was silent for most of the trip.
Finally he turned to Rich and asked, "Does God hate me?" Mullins wrote that the question--and the heart cry behind it--broke his heart. He turned to the man and said, "God loves you as much as He loves me! Yes, God hates the sin in your life, but no more than he hates the sin in my life." The man realized that in Rich Mullins he had found a friend, not a judge. That is how we need to relate to those around us, many of whom are struggling with sin. We aren't better than them, we're just forgiven. When I share Christ with others, I am just one beggar telling another beggar where I found food.
We tend to want to rank sin in order of severity, but God doesn't make such distinctions. It's true that in the Old Testament (Proverbs 6) there is a list of things God despises, but included on that list are lying and sowing discord among brothers. Ever lied before? (If your answer is no, read 1 John 1:8 again!) Sin is sin. It is all rebellion against Him. We are all in need of saving. We are all in need of a Savior.
That is what we celebrate this Christmas season. We need to look beyond all the hype and the materialism of the holiday and focus in on the baby in a manger in Bethlehem. The only child who ever chose to be born. The one who left the glory of heaven to save us from our sins.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:10-14 (NKJV)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
We're all born with a sinful nature. It is a legacy passed down from Adam. Each one of us at some point in our lives makes a conscious choice to disobey God and sin, but that is because we were born with a sinful nature, a bent toward sinning, if you will.
People sometimes get upset with you if you tell them they are a sinner. They think we are judging them, but in reality that is something that we have in common with them. The Apostle Paul said that he was the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). John reminded us that if we say we have not sinned we are a liar (1 John 1:8).
The late Rich Mullins (writer of "Awesome God" and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord") told the story of getting stranded at an inn while on a hike. To meet back up with his party would require a ten mile walk and he was already spent from the day's hike. He struck up a conversation with a man at the inn and in the course of the conversation, Mullins shared that he was a Christian musician. The man offered to give Mullins a ride to meet his party, but said there was something he needed to tell him first. "I am gay" the man told him. Rich chuckled and replied that he still needed a ride to the drop off point! As he took Rich to meet up with his hiking companions, the man was silent for most of the trip.
Finally he turned to Rich and asked, "Does God hate me?" Mullins wrote that the question--and the heart cry behind it--broke his heart. He turned to the man and said, "God loves you as much as He loves me! Yes, God hates the sin in your life, but no more than he hates the sin in my life." The man realized that in Rich Mullins he had found a friend, not a judge. That is how we need to relate to those around us, many of whom are struggling with sin. We aren't better than them, we're just forgiven. When I share Christ with others, I am just one beggar telling another beggar where I found food.
We tend to want to rank sin in order of severity, but God doesn't make such distinctions. It's true that in the Old Testament (Proverbs 6) there is a list of things God despises, but included on that list are lying and sowing discord among brothers. Ever lied before? (If your answer is no, read 1 John 1:8 again!) Sin is sin. It is all rebellion against Him. We are all in need of saving. We are all in need of a Savior.
That is what we celebrate this Christmas season. We need to look beyond all the hype and the materialism of the holiday and focus in on the baby in a manger in Bethlehem. The only child who ever chose to be born. The one who left the glory of heaven to save us from our sins.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:10-14 (NKJV)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, December 13, 2010
Like Jesus
[By Ed Young ]
Scripture Of The Day: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job--for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today--mother, father, brothers, sister, friends and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Scripture Of The Day: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job--for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today--mother, father, brothers, sister, friends and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, December 10, 2010
Unwrap the Gift
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all — how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, NIV)
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and seeing a pile of presents under the tree, but never opening them. Imagine that your friends and family spent a lot of money on you, buying you things you need and desire but could never afford. Imagine that you even know what was inside those packages, but just decided to let them sit under the tree day in and day out, year after year. After all, now you have what you’ve always dreamed of. You own whatever is in those boxes. If anyone asked, you’d say, “Yes, I have that.” But it wouldn’t do you any good because you would never be able to use those gifts unless you took the time to unwrap those packages.
Friend, it’s the same way with God. He wants you to have an abundant life. His gifts are all right there for you wrapped up in the Word of God. You “open” His gift by meditating on His Word, obeying His commands and declaring it out of your mouth.
Today, I encourage you to unwrap your gifts! Don’t let a single present sit “under the tree” any longer. Jesus paid a precious price so you could have both eternal life and abundant life. Unwrap your gifts and live in His fullness today!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I receive every good and perfect promise You have for me. I choose to take a step of faith to activate Your Word in my life. Teach me, by Your Spirit, to walk and live according to Your precepts. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
[Joel & Victoria Osteen]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all — how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32, NIV)
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and seeing a pile of presents under the tree, but never opening them. Imagine that your friends and family spent a lot of money on you, buying you things you need and desire but could never afford. Imagine that you even know what was inside those packages, but just decided to let them sit under the tree day in and day out, year after year. After all, now you have what you’ve always dreamed of. You own whatever is in those boxes. If anyone asked, you’d say, “Yes, I have that.” But it wouldn’t do you any good because you would never be able to use those gifts unless you took the time to unwrap those packages.
Friend, it’s the same way with God. He wants you to have an abundant life. His gifts are all right there for you wrapped up in the Word of God. You “open” His gift by meditating on His Word, obeying His commands and declaring it out of your mouth.
Today, I encourage you to unwrap your gifts! Don’t let a single present sit “under the tree” any longer. Jesus paid a precious price so you could have both eternal life and abundant life. Unwrap your gifts and live in His fullness today!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I receive every good and perfect promise You have for me. I choose to take a step of faith to activate Your Word in my life. Teach me, by Your Spirit, to walk and live according to Your precepts. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
[Joel & Victoria Osteen]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Eternal Security: Can We Be Sure?
Faith in the Son of God
1) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ[a] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2) We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3) Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4) For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5) And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 6) And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross[b]—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. 7) So we have these three witnesses[c]—8) the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. 9) Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. 10) All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. 11) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12) Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
Conclusion
13) I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1John 5: 1-13 (NLT)
Our loving heavenly Father wants us to know with certainty that we have eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. What assurances do we have that we are permanently secure?
God’s love. One reason that we can be sure of unending salvation is our heavenly Father’s unconditional love. At the cross, He demonstrated just how much we mean to Him: He sent His Son to die so that we might have eternal life. (1 John 4:9-10).
Christ’s life and death. Because Jesus was without sin, He qualified to serve as our substitute and take our place on the cross. By dying for us, He paid for all our sins and finished the work necessary to secure our salvation (John 19:30).
Jesus’ promise. We have our Lord’s assurance that we will spend eternity with Him. He promised that we can never be separated from Him and that no one can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28). He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us and will return to bring us there (John 14:2-3).
The Indwelling Holy Spirit. Another assurance of eternal security is the presence of God’s Spirit within each believer. The Holy Spirit acts as a seal, guaranteeing that we belong to the Lord and serving as a pledge of our future in heaven with Him (2 Cor. 1:21-22).
The Bible is filled with God’s promises that those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior will spend eternity with Him. If you struggle with doubt, meditate on the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into scriptural understanding about your salvation.
_________________________________
Don't get it twisted; GOD is NOT mocked! You will reap what you sow therefore, a man or woman is better off being sincerely wrong than to be a professing Christian and deny Jesus's name by the conduct of his life.
A redeemed life is a changed life! Have you been born again?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
P.S.
I'm in NO way perfect but I'm getting better because God isn't through with me yet!
1) Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ[a] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2) We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3) Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4) For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5) And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 6) And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross[b]—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. 7) So we have these three witnesses[c]—8) the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. 9) Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. 10) All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. 11) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12) Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
Conclusion
13) I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1John 5: 1-13 (NLT)
Our loving heavenly Father wants us to know with certainty that we have eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. What assurances do we have that we are permanently secure?
God’s love. One reason that we can be sure of unending salvation is our heavenly Father’s unconditional love. At the cross, He demonstrated just how much we mean to Him: He sent His Son to die so that we might have eternal life. (1 John 4:9-10).
Christ’s life and death. Because Jesus was without sin, He qualified to serve as our substitute and take our place on the cross. By dying for us, He paid for all our sins and finished the work necessary to secure our salvation (John 19:30).
Jesus’ promise. We have our Lord’s assurance that we will spend eternity with Him. He promised that we can never be separated from Him and that no one can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28). He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us and will return to bring us there (John 14:2-3).
The Indwelling Holy Spirit. Another assurance of eternal security is the presence of God’s Spirit within each believer. The Holy Spirit acts as a seal, guaranteeing that we belong to the Lord and serving as a pledge of our future in heaven with Him (2 Cor. 1:21-22).
The Bible is filled with God’s promises that those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior will spend eternity with Him. If you struggle with doubt, meditate on the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into scriptural understanding about your salvation.
_________________________________
Don't get it twisted; GOD is NOT mocked! You will reap what you sow therefore, a man or woman is better off being sincerely wrong than to be a professing Christian and deny Jesus's name by the conduct of his life.
A redeemed life is a changed life! Have you been born again?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
P.S.
I'm in NO way perfect but I'm getting better because God isn't through with me yet!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Resting in Jesus
[by Dr. Charles Stanley]
2)Open the gates, that the [uncompromisingly] righteous nation which keeps her faith and her troth [with God] may enter in. 3)You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. 4)So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. Is. 26: 2-4 (AMP)
Wars, economic crisis, and daily responsibilities are just a few common sources of stress that we encounter. Allowing ourselves to dwell on such things would invite anxiety to overwhelm us.
The Lord has a better way. Jesus assured us that, though we would face difficulty, we could rest in Him (John 16:33). But we cannot trust someone we don’t know. For this reason, we should first seek to find out who He is.
Truths from Scripture are a good place to start. For example, our God is Lord and Master. He is omnipresent, omniscient, faithful, and powerful. He loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness to all who trust His Son as Savior. He adopts believers as His own children and wants the best for every Christian’s life—so much so that He chastises us when we disobey. And He desires that we love Him above everyone and everything else.
Knowing these facts is only the beginning. As in any relationship, time together fosters closeness. We can read the Bible, pray, meditate on God’s Word and listen quietly for His Spirit to speak to our hearts. This helps us to understand how He thinks. What’s more, watching the way God works in other people’s lives helps us to know His ways.
Jesus is trustworthy, and He offers rest in the midst of a troubled world. He wants you to lay your burdens upon Him and experience His peace. Do you know this amazing God? Carve out time in your schedule to be in His presence every day so you can know Him better and better.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
2)Open the gates, that the [uncompromisingly] righteous nation which keeps her faith and her troth [with God] may enter in. 3)You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. 4)So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. Is. 26: 2-4 (AMP)
Wars, economic crisis, and daily responsibilities are just a few common sources of stress that we encounter. Allowing ourselves to dwell on such things would invite anxiety to overwhelm us.
The Lord has a better way. Jesus assured us that, though we would face difficulty, we could rest in Him (John 16:33). But we cannot trust someone we don’t know. For this reason, we should first seek to find out who He is.
Truths from Scripture are a good place to start. For example, our God is Lord and Master. He is omnipresent, omniscient, faithful, and powerful. He loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness to all who trust His Son as Savior. He adopts believers as His own children and wants the best for every Christian’s life—so much so that He chastises us when we disobey. And He desires that we love Him above everyone and everything else.
Knowing these facts is only the beginning. As in any relationship, time together fosters closeness. We can read the Bible, pray, meditate on God’s Word and listen quietly for His Spirit to speak to our hearts. This helps us to understand how He thinks. What’s more, watching the way God works in other people’s lives helps us to know His ways.
Jesus is trustworthy, and He offers rest in the midst of a troubled world. He wants you to lay your burdens upon Him and experience His peace. Do you know this amazing God? Carve out time in your schedule to be in His presence every day so you can know Him better and better.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
How Jesus Meets the Deepest Longings of Your Heart
Scripture Of The Day: "And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3
More than likely, you've heard the story out of the New Testament of the chief tax collector, a man named Zacchaeus.
As I have read his story over and over, I have come to realize that Zacchaeus' story is everyone's story-including yours and mine.
As you read his story, you come to realize that Zacchaeus illustrates the four basic weaknesses and needs of every human heart: the feeling of emptiness, the feeling of loneliness, the weight of guilt, and the fear of death.
There really are some great life-lessons you and I can learn as we look at this man. Let's pick up his story in Luke 19:1-9:
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man in his day, but he was empty inside. His story is a great reminder that it doesn't matter how well off you are financially or physically, there is a need deep within every human heart to be filled with something that will last...something that will fill that emptiness we feel in souls.
Friend, you and I were made to know God, to love God, to experience grace, and to know true, saving faith in Him.
It doesn't matter how much money you have...how much status you achieve...or how many things you have. You need God because you were made to know Him...just like Zacchaeus was.
But Zacchaeus had another problem. He was lonely. He was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes, one of the most hated professions of that day.
He was skimming off the top, swindling and scandalizing his friends. Zacchaeus was a man who seemingly had no conscience--and no friends. He was an outcast of society!
As a result, he was a very lonely man...just like so many people today. We were made to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we naturally feel lonely without Him. And this is how Zacchaeus felt.
Along with that loneliness, Zacchaeus carried around a huge weight of guilt...a feeling everyone experiences.
Some people try to numb the pain of guilt with excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or unhealthy relationships.
But no matter how you try to hide it...no matter how far you may try to run, you will never be able to dissolve that sense of guilt apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, just like anyone who doesn't have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus was afraid to die. And while most people don't admit this fact, it's true.
Even though many considered Zacchaeus a waste case, Jesus knew that he was empty and lonely...Jesus knew that he felt guilty...and Jesus knew that he was afraid to die. And that's why Jesus stopped!
I don't know where you may be in life today, my friend. Maybe you can relate to one or more of Zacchaeus' weaknesses.
Whatever your station may be today...good, bad, rich or poor...I hope you have come to realize all that God is offering you through Jesus Christ...the Friend of the wounded heart.
Because through Jesus you can indeed know fullness for your emptiness, forgiveness for your guilt, and intimacy with God for your loneliness. And through Him you have the ultimate victory, the victory over death.
by: Dr. Jack Graham
Be Blessed!
Dawn
More than likely, you've heard the story out of the New Testament of the chief tax collector, a man named Zacchaeus.
As I have read his story over and over, I have come to realize that Zacchaeus' story is everyone's story-including yours and mine.
As you read his story, you come to realize that Zacchaeus illustrates the four basic weaknesses and needs of every human heart: the feeling of emptiness, the feeling of loneliness, the weight of guilt, and the fear of death.
There really are some great life-lessons you and I can learn as we look at this man. Let's pick up his story in Luke 19:1-9:
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man in his day, but he was empty inside. His story is a great reminder that it doesn't matter how well off you are financially or physically, there is a need deep within every human heart to be filled with something that will last...something that will fill that emptiness we feel in souls.
Friend, you and I were made to know God, to love God, to experience grace, and to know true, saving faith in Him.
It doesn't matter how much money you have...how much status you achieve...or how many things you have. You need God because you were made to know Him...just like Zacchaeus was.
But Zacchaeus had another problem. He was lonely. He was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes, one of the most hated professions of that day.
He was skimming off the top, swindling and scandalizing his friends. Zacchaeus was a man who seemingly had no conscience--and no friends. He was an outcast of society!
As a result, he was a very lonely man...just like so many people today. We were made to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we naturally feel lonely without Him. And this is how Zacchaeus felt.
Along with that loneliness, Zacchaeus carried around a huge weight of guilt...a feeling everyone experiences.
Some people try to numb the pain of guilt with excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or unhealthy relationships.
But no matter how you try to hide it...no matter how far you may try to run, you will never be able to dissolve that sense of guilt apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, just like anyone who doesn't have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus was afraid to die. And while most people don't admit this fact, it's true.
Even though many considered Zacchaeus a waste case, Jesus knew that he was empty and lonely...Jesus knew that he felt guilty...and Jesus knew that he was afraid to die. And that's why Jesus stopped!
I don't know where you may be in life today, my friend. Maybe you can relate to one or more of Zacchaeus' weaknesses.
Whatever your station may be today...good, bad, rich or poor...I hope you have come to realize all that God is offering you through Jesus Christ...the Friend of the wounded heart.
Because through Jesus you can indeed know fullness for your emptiness, forgiveness for your guilt, and intimacy with God for your loneliness. And through Him you have the ultimate victory, the victory over death.
by: Dr. Jack Graham
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, December 6, 2010
Confidence in the Midst of Distress
Read ~Psalm 46:1-11
Oftentimes, we use the word “stress” to describe the pressure we are feeling. It can come from something as simple as traffic or from more complex situations or underlying issues, such as insecurity. Stress becomes distress when it creates deep emotional and mental anxiety. Unfortunately, in today’s world, living with a fairly constant level of such tension is not unusual.
I remember 1944 being a year of tremendous turmoil in our country because of World War II. Many people would watch the evening news and hear reports of bloodshed in various locations. Those with loved ones overseas listened anxiously.
I can’t recall the name of my social studies teacher that year, but I have never forgotten something she said. One day, after tearfully announcing that we would take a break from the normal routine, she pulled out a Bible and read Psalm 46. The woman explained that her husband’s division had been mentioned on the news the previous night. Though fearful, she found comfort in the Scriptures.
Since then, I turn to that Psalm when I am troubled or afraid. We all face uncertain times when, in our humanness, we feel alone and scared. Yet there is confidence to gain in Jesus.
"1) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4) There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6) The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8) Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9) He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11)The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."
Today’s verse holds the key to releasing stress and finding peace. What is causing you mental anguish? Stop striving, and rest in our loving, almighty God. He wants you to trust Him, lean on Him, and allow Him to carry the burden for you. His desire is for His children to be relieved of worry.
[via Paastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Oftentimes, we use the word “stress” to describe the pressure we are feeling. It can come from something as simple as traffic or from more complex situations or underlying issues, such as insecurity. Stress becomes distress when it creates deep emotional and mental anxiety. Unfortunately, in today’s world, living with a fairly constant level of such tension is not unusual.
I remember 1944 being a year of tremendous turmoil in our country because of World War II. Many people would watch the evening news and hear reports of bloodshed in various locations. Those with loved ones overseas listened anxiously.
I can’t recall the name of my social studies teacher that year, but I have never forgotten something she said. One day, after tearfully announcing that we would take a break from the normal routine, she pulled out a Bible and read Psalm 46. The woman explained that her husband’s division had been mentioned on the news the previous night. Though fearful, she found comfort in the Scriptures.
Since then, I turn to that Psalm when I am troubled or afraid. We all face uncertain times when, in our humanness, we feel alone and scared. Yet there is confidence to gain in Jesus.
"1) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4) There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6) The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8) Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9) He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11)The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."
Today’s verse holds the key to releasing stress and finding peace. What is causing you mental anguish? Stop striving, and rest in our loving, almighty God. He wants you to trust Him, lean on Him, and allow Him to carry the burden for you. His desire is for His children to be relieved of worry.
[via Paastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, December 3, 2010
No Other Foundation
by Greg Laurie
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11
What have you built your life on? Some people build their spiritual foundation on another person's relationship with God. Maybe their relationship with God hinges on their spouse's relationship with God. Maybe it hinges on a parent's relationship with God. Maybe it hinges on a friend's relationship with God. But
here is the problem: What if something happens and that person is no longer there? What will happen to you? Did you build your foundation on a person or on Jesus Christ?
Some people build their foundation on the church itself. It is all about their church. But what happens one day when something occurs in the church that they don't like? Maybe a pastor or other church leader will disappoint them. A foundation should not be built on spiritual leaders, because they are human.
They will eventually disappoint. Everyone falls short in some way, shape, or form. If we build our foundations on people, on churches, on relationships, or on fluctuating emotions, then our foundation will be flawed, because these things shift like sand. It is like the people who always want the shortcut. They want
the blessings of God, but they don't want God. They want happiness, but they don't want holiness.
Yet whether we like it or not, storms will come into our lives. The floods will hit. Sometimes it will be tidal waves of temptation. At other times, it will be the slow, eroding effect of more subtle methods. And storms can come hard and fast with a tragedy that alters your life overnight, and they will test your faith.
How will you fare in that day? If you build your spiritual life on anyone or anything else, you simply won't make it. So build your life on Jesus Christ. He will sustain you when the storms come.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11
What have you built your life on? Some people build their spiritual foundation on another person's relationship with God. Maybe their relationship with God hinges on their spouse's relationship with God. Maybe it hinges on a parent's relationship with God. Maybe it hinges on a friend's relationship with God. But
here is the problem: What if something happens and that person is no longer there? What will happen to you? Did you build your foundation on a person or on Jesus Christ?
Some people build their foundation on the church itself. It is all about their church. But what happens one day when something occurs in the church that they don't like? Maybe a pastor or other church leader will disappoint them. A foundation should not be built on spiritual leaders, because they are human.
They will eventually disappoint. Everyone falls short in some way, shape, or form. If we build our foundations on people, on churches, on relationships, or on fluctuating emotions, then our foundation will be flawed, because these things shift like sand. It is like the people who always want the shortcut. They want
the blessings of God, but they don't want God. They want happiness, but they don't want holiness.
Yet whether we like it or not, storms will come into our lives. The floods will hit. Sometimes it will be tidal waves of temptation. At other times, it will be the slow, eroding effect of more subtle methods. And storms can come hard and fast with a tragedy that alters your life overnight, and they will test your faith.
How will you fare in that day? If you build your spiritual life on anyone or anything else, you simply won't make it. So build your life on Jesus Christ. He will sustain you when the storms come.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, December 2, 2010
An End to Habitual Sin
Read Ephesians 6:10-11
Satan looks for weak spots in a believer’s life where he can set up a stronghold. Once his fortress is established, he knows that the person will justify it, defend it, and keep adding bricks to it, one sin at a time. The appeal can be so strong that we return to a habitual sin even after confessing before God. Satan whispers, “One more time won’t hurt,” and we fall to temptation again.
Just as in medieval times when armies warred over high rock fortresses, a sin stronghold is usually the ground for a skirmish. We might expect the fight to be primarily between God and Satan, but that’s not the case—the Lord can knock down the Devil’s walls instantly. Instead, the struggle goes on within our spirit: Do we want God to break our habit or not?
Giving up habitual sin is hard. The sinner finds comfort, pleasure, and/or satisfaction in the practice. Hot on the heels of those emotions, however, are guilt, shame, and despair, which drive a person to plead for help. But holy God cannot cleanse unrighteousness until people genuinely repent. True repentance means that a believer sees a sin for the wickedness that it is and turns his back on it. And we turn away as often as it takes—one time, a hundred times, or every single day for the rest of our lives.
Just thinking about giving up a sinful habit brings some people to the brink of despair. They want to be free of a stronghold, but the thought of resisting temptation makes them feel weak. Here is good news: the Holy Spirit’s power is enough to enable any believer to walk away. That includes you.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Satan looks for weak spots in a believer’s life where he can set up a stronghold. Once his fortress is established, he knows that the person will justify it, defend it, and keep adding bricks to it, one sin at a time. The appeal can be so strong that we return to a habitual sin even after confessing before God. Satan whispers, “One more time won’t hurt,” and we fall to temptation again.
Just as in medieval times when armies warred over high rock fortresses, a sin stronghold is usually the ground for a skirmish. We might expect the fight to be primarily between God and Satan, but that’s not the case—the Lord can knock down the Devil’s walls instantly. Instead, the struggle goes on within our spirit: Do we want God to break our habit or not?
Giving up habitual sin is hard. The sinner finds comfort, pleasure, and/or satisfaction in the practice. Hot on the heels of those emotions, however, are guilt, shame, and despair, which drive a person to plead for help. But holy God cannot cleanse unrighteousness until people genuinely repent. True repentance means that a believer sees a sin for the wickedness that it is and turns his back on it. And we turn away as often as it takes—one time, a hundred times, or every single day for the rest of our lives.
Just thinking about giving up a sinful habit brings some people to the brink of despair. They want to be free of a stronghold, but the thought of resisting temptation makes them feel weak. Here is good news: the Holy Spirit’s power is enough to enable any believer to walk away. That includes you.
[via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Inseparable from Christ
[By Pastor Charles Stanley]
18) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19) For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20) Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21) the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22) For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23) And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,[a] including the new bodies he has promised us. 24) We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope[b] for it. 25) But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27) And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[c] in harmony with God’s own will. 28) And we know that God causes everything to work together[d] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29) For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30) And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
31) What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32) Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33) Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34) Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 35) Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 )(As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[e]) 37) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[f] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39) No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8: 18-39
When pain and adversity enter our lives, it’s easy to conclude that God has abandoned us. After all, we think, if He were there, He would have done something by now. However, today’s passage says that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. Let’s consider the vast scope of this promise.
No events. Not a single distress can remove us from divine love, but rather, we can “overwhelmingly conquer through Him who love[s] us” (Rom. 8:35-37). Today’s verses also teach that our present sufferings cannot be compared to the coming glory (v. 18) and that God’s good purpose is our transformation into Christ’s image (v. 29). When we understand this, we gain a victorious eternal perspective, which produces hope and perseverance (vv. 24-25).
> No time. Nothing we have gone through in the past, are dealing with at present, or will encounter in the future can take us away from Christ. He is with us every step of the way (v. 38).
> No power. The unseen powers of evil that try to deceive and entrap us are no match for the Lord, who holds us securely in His omnipotent grasp (v. 39).
> No created thing. Only our triune God is self-existent, and if He calls you His own, nothing and no one—not even you—can break that relationship (v. 39).
This promise of security in Christ isn’t a license to sin without consequence. Instead, it should motivate us to fall on our knees in gratitude and praise. As we truly grasp the greatness of this gift, our love for Christ will increase and result in obedience and perseverance, no matter what difficulty we face.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
18) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19) For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20) Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21) the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22) For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23) And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,[a] including the new bodies he has promised us. 24) We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope[b] for it. 25) But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27) And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers[c] in harmony with God’s own will. 28) And we know that God causes everything to work together[d] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29) For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30) And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Love
31) What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32) Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33) Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34) Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 35) Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 )(As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[e]) 37) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[f] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39) No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8: 18-39
When pain and adversity enter our lives, it’s easy to conclude that God has abandoned us. After all, we think, if He were there, He would have done something by now. However, today’s passage says that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. Let’s consider the vast scope of this promise.
No events. Not a single distress can remove us from divine love, but rather, we can “overwhelmingly conquer through Him who love[s] us” (Rom. 8:35-37). Today’s verses also teach that our present sufferings cannot be compared to the coming glory (v. 18) and that God’s good purpose is our transformation into Christ’s image (v. 29). When we understand this, we gain a victorious eternal perspective, which produces hope and perseverance (vv. 24-25).
> No time. Nothing we have gone through in the past, are dealing with at present, or will encounter in the future can take us away from Christ. He is with us every step of the way (v. 38).
> No power. The unseen powers of evil that try to deceive and entrap us are no match for the Lord, who holds us securely in His omnipotent grasp (v. 39).
> No created thing. Only our triune God is self-existent, and if He calls you His own, nothing and no one—not even you—can break that relationship (v. 39).
This promise of security in Christ isn’t a license to sin without consequence. Instead, it should motivate us to fall on our knees in gratitude and praise. As we truly grasp the greatness of this gift, our love for Christ will increase and result in obedience and perseverance, no matter what difficulty we face.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
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